Botox®

Ronald Riefkohl, MD

"Botox®" is the brand name for botulinum toxin. It is an FDA approved medication that has been used for over three decades to treat eye spasms, excessive muscle contractions, and central nervous system disorders. In more recent years, Botox was discovered to reduce wrinkles. Doctors have found Botox® to be simple and safe to administer with results lasting several months depending on the problem area. The treatments are an effective way to erase frown lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Also, injections with Botox can correct facial asymmetries due to single hyperactive muscles.

A small amount of Botox® is injected through a micro-needle into problem areas in the face. Botox works by obstructing impulses from the nerve to relax the muscles. When these impulses are blocked, the tiny muscles in your face relax, as do the unwanted wrinkles and expression lines. The administering doctor must choose precise areas in the face to insert the small needle to have optimal results for each patient.

Another highlight of this product is that patients do not have to worry because there are no allergies associated with Botox®. The actual treatment takes just a few minutes with no downtime afterward. After the injection, the skin in the treated area remains unwrinkled and smooth. If administered correctly, the untreated facial muscles will still contract so facial expressions will continue to look natural. Patients see the effect in a few days and the effects usually last three to four months. Repeated treatments in the same area can produce longer-lasting results.

Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis. This is commonly seen most often in the underarms, hands and feet. Botox is injected into the affected area to inhibit overactive sweat glands in men and women, and will last up to four months.

Botox® is safe and effective and provides results that were previously possible only with extensive cosmetic surgery. It can be done easily in the comfort of Ronald Riefkohl, MD’s office. Thousands of patients receive Botox treatments each year, and it is becoming even more popular to reverse the visible signs of aging. To determine if Botox is right for you, contact Ronald Riefkohl, MD at (919) 471-1880.

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